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- Tasks: Prepare and cook high-quality meals while assisting with menu planning and stock control.
- Company: Join ESS, a leading catering service known for excellence in every meal.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, training opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Develop your culinary skills and leadership in a fast-paced, dynamic kitchen.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Chef in high-volume catering and relevant food hygiene certifications required.
- Other info: Uniform and PPE provided; structured shift pattern for work-life balance.
Job Advert – Chef
Location: BAM Finstown, Orkney
Department: ESS
Reporting to: Head Chef
Are you a passionate and skilled Chef looking for your next exciting opportunity? Do you thrive in a fast-paced kitchen environment, delivering high-quality meals while maintaining exceptional hygiene and safety standards? If so, we want to hear from you!
Why Join Us?
At ESS, we provide top-tier catering services, ensuring excellence in every meal we serve. As a Chef, you will play a vital role in supporting the kitchen’s daily operations, assisting with menu planning, stock control, and food preparation while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency. You will also step in for the Head Chef when required, giving you a fantastic opportunity to develop your leadership skills.
Key Responsibilities:
✔️ Prepare and cook high-quality meals to meet contract specifications
✔️ Assist in menu planning, food costing, and stock management
✔️ Maintain hygiene, safety, and compliance standards at all times
✔️ Supervise and support kitchen staff, ensuring smooth daily operations
✔️ Monitor and control food waste, ensuring cost efficiency
✔️ Ensure correct food storage, labelling, and portion control
✔️ Train and mentor apprentices and trainee chefs
✔️ Step up and take responsibility in the absence of the Head Chef
What We’re Looking For:
✅ Passion for food and exceptional service
✅ Proven experience as a Chef in a high-volume catering environment
✅ NVQ Level 3 or City & Guilds 706/1,2,3 (or equivalent)
✅ Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate
✅ Strong communication and leadership skills
✅ Ability to work flexibly and under pressure
✅ IT literacy and knowledge of COSHH (desirable)
What We Offer:
Competitive salary and benefits
Supportive and dynamic team environment
Training and development opportunities
Uniform and PPE provided
Work-life balance with a structured shift pattern
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and join a team that values your talent, apply today!
Chef employer: Compass Group UK
Contact Detail:
Compass Group UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific cuisine and menu styles that ESS offers. Research their previous menus and try to incorporate similar dishes or techniques in your discussions during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen staff or trained apprentices in the past. Be ready to discuss these experiences in detail.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your ability to work under pressure by sharing specific instances where you thrived in a fast-paced environment. This will demonstrate your readiness for the demands of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare questions about the kitchen's operations and team dynamics to ask during your interview. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience as a Chef, particularly in high-volume catering environments. Emphasise your skills in menu planning, food preparation, and maintaining hygiene standards.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and exceptional service. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to thrive in a fast-paced kitchen and your leadership skills.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your qualifications such as NVQ Level 3 or City & Guilds certifications, along with your Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate. This will show that you meet the essential requirements for the role.
Showcase Your Soft Skills: In your application, highlight your strong communication and leadership skills. Provide examples of how you've supervised kitchen staff or trained apprentices, as these are key responsibilities of the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Make sure to express your love for cooking and food during the interview. Share specific examples of dishes you enjoy preparing and how you stay updated with culinary trends. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to the role.
✨Highlight Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous roles in high-volume catering environments. Mention specific responsibilities you've handled, such as menu planning or stock management, and how these experiences have equipped you for the Chef position at ESS.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since the role involves supervising kitchen staff and stepping in for the Head Chef, share examples of when you've successfully led a team or trained others. This will show that you can handle responsibility and support your colleagues effectively.
✨Emphasise Hygiene and Safety Standards
Discuss your understanding of hygiene and safety protocols, including your Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate. Be ready to provide examples of how you've maintained these standards in past roles, as this is crucial for the position.
